Troy plans redshirts for JD’s McGhee, Carver’s Tyus

Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserJeff Davis outside linebacker Uvakeious McGhee earned praise from his coach, Lee Carter, for his play last week. Uvakeious McGhee during Jeff Davis High School football practice at the school in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday August 8, 2014.(Photo: Mickey Welsh / Advertiser)Buy Photo

Troy Trojans coach Neal Brown says R. Douglas Hawkins, a 35-year school trustee who died Saturday, leaves a lasting legacy at the school. Hawkins was 80.
Stacy Long

Mourning: The Trojans and the city of Troy marked the funeral of a longtime trustee and resident Monday.

R. Douglas Hawkins, who practiced veterinary medicine in Troy for 55 years and was a trustee for the last 35, died Saturday morning. He was 80.

“He was a great ambassador not only for Troy University, but also for Troy,” Brown said before attending the funeral. “He did so much for this athletic program and our football program, specifically. The stadium tower carries his name. He was instrumental in moving Troy from Division II to Division I. He is one of the primary reasons this north end zone facility is going to be built.

“He will be greatly missed.”

The Trojans wore “Dr. Doug” stickers on the back of their helmets for their 49-21 loss at North Carolina State. The city and school lowered flags to half-staff Monday.

Hawkins, a deacon at Troy’s First Baptist Church and the author of a history of Troy University, died in Montgomery due to complications following open-heart surgery, the school said.

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Bryan Holmes, who didn't know he'd been dropped to second-string receiver until last week's Troy news conference, learned Monday that he's back as a starter -- at Troy's weekly news conference.
Stacy Long

Surprised, again: Senior receiver Bryan Holmes, surprised last week when he learned he had been demoted to second string, had another Monday.

He’s back as a starter.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll just play and see how it goes,” Holmes said before being shown an updated depth chart.

“Well, I guess so,” Holmes said. “I guess I played good last week and that got me back on first string. I didn’t know. I’m just now seeing it.”

Holmes, who started every game last year, made four catches for 84 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown on his final play. He injured his left knee.

Being demoted “really got his attention to paying attention to the little things that we talked about,” offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. “He kind of did that the rest of the week when he found out. I think it helped him get ready for the game.

“Very good motivator -- that bench does it.”

Improving: Holmes said his knee has improved, though he was sidelined for practice Monday.

“It’s getting a lot better and I’m bending it more now,” said Holmes, who is making regular trips to see head athletic trainer Chuck Ash. “I don’t think it will affect my explosiveness too much if I keep going to see Chuck and do everything he tells me to do for it.”

Suspended: Offensive lineman Tyler Lassiter missed the season opener and won’t play in Troy’s next two games after being suspended for a “violation of team rules,” Brown said.

Lassiter was listed as the second-string right tackle entering preseason practice.

Polk around: Long snapper Taylor Polk, based on eight perfect snaps at N.C. State, was Troy’s special teams player of the week.

Linebacker Demetrius Cain, who made five tackles, was the top defensive player. Running back Brandon Burks, with 124 yards on 14 carries with a 57-yard touchdown, was the offensive winner.

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Troy coach Neal Brown says the Trojans are "fired up" for their home opener and are expecting a big crowd from "Dothan, Montgomery and the Troy area."
Stacy Long

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Troy running back Brandon Burks says the Trojans won't take a Division I-AA opponent like Charleston Southern lightly. "That's not happening this year," he says. Troy lost to I-AA Abilene Christian in 2014.
Stacy Long

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The Troy football team warms up before its Monday practice before the Trojans play their home opener Saturday against Charleston Southern.
Stacy Long